To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the state of relations between Mauritania and the UK. (276201)

We regularly assess our relationship with Mauritania, and the political situation in the country, following the 2008 coup.

We remain concerned that there has been little progress towards the restoration of democracy, despite increasing international pressure. We, in line with international partners like the EU, US, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the African Union, maintain working level contact with Mauritanian officials.

The UK continues to fully support the EU in its efforts to restore democracy through the provisions of the Cotonou Agreement.